5.26.16

ASN Morning Read: A Win in Dallas and We're Off

A team that sings the national anthem together stays together (or something like that). The U.S. national team defeated Ecuador 1-0 in a game that had a lot for everyone—the lovers, the haters, the naysayers.

"Jurgen Klinsmann has preached proactive soccer but for the most part, his U.S. team has failed to deliver—even when it’s managed to get good results. On Wednesday night in Frisco, Texas, the Americans stepped up their preparation for next month’s Copa América Centenario with an exhibition against Ecuador that showcased both the pragmatic style to which Klinsmann has often resorted and the high-pressure, attacking soccer for which he’s hoped."

"Even so, it's a confidence-boosting result. The Americans defended well, to be sure. But while they were better going forward in a second half that had more intensity from both teams, they have plenty of room to improve their sharpness and cohesion in Saturday's match before the games that matter get underway."

Good story: "Altidore and his foundation are ensuring that those in Haiti can watch Copa America matches, teaming with the St. Luke Foundation to deliver television coverage of Haiti's matches, the USA's matches and the tournament semifinals and final to the island nation."

This is accurate:

Only response to Francesa's soccer rants is to laugh, guys. There's 330 hours of Copa América & Euro 2016 on US TV this summer. We won.